Murder Call

This article contains graphic images from real cases which may be disturbing to some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.   Handguns are low-velocity, low-energy weapons having muzzle velocities generally below 1400 ft/sec. Advertised velocities of revolver cartridges traditionally have not been accurate because they are obtained in test devices that have no cylinder gap. Even in well-made revolvers, this gap will cause a velocity loss of approximately 100 to 200 ft/sec, depending on initial velocities and pressure as well as the construction tolerances of the weapon. Advertised velocities for semiautomatic pistols are more accurate as there is no cylinder gap from which gas can escape. The length of the barrel also influences muzzle velocity. The longer the barrel, the greater the velocity. Advertised Muzzle Velocities Versus Actual Velocities Cartridge Advertised Muzzle Velocity (ft/sec)

Gunshot wounds are either penetrating or perforating. Penetrating wounds occur when a bullet enters an object and does not exit; in perforating wounds, the bullet passes completely through the object. A wound, however, can be both penetrating and perforating. Gunshot wounds can be divided into four broad categories, depending on the range from the muzzle to target: contact, near contact, intermediate, and distant. In contact wounds, the muzzle of the weapon is held against the surface of the body at the time of discharge. Contact wounds may be hard, loose, angled, or incomplete . In hard-contact wounds, the muzzle of the weapon is jammed “hard” against the skin, indenting it, so that the skin envelops the muzzle. In hard contact wounds, the immediate edges of the entrance are seared by the hot gases of combustion and blackened by the soot. This soot is embedded in the seared skin and cannot be completely removed either by washing or by vigorous scrubbing of the wound. In